Dell reseller rating

[Oblivionaire]

Don't know which forum this belongs in so I put it in OT, hope that's ok. I'm thinking of buying from Dell Home, but their reseller rating is so low, is it safe to buy from them? It currently a 3.77 out of a possible 10? I always thought Dell was a big reliable company.

 

[veggz]

Yes, they are reliable, but their systems are overpriced and their tech support sucks. I'm sure there are many more reasons people don't buy from Dell.

 

[Brainonska511]

There systems are not always overpriced, just look for coupons and steer clear of budget systems if you plan on upgrading anything in the future life of the system.

 

[Skeeedunt]

Dell is fine. If you're spending more than $800 or so, you'd probably be better off building it yourself, if you were so inclined.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: veggz
Yes, they are reliable, but their systems are overpriced and their tech support sucks. I'm sure there are many more reasons people don't buy from Dell.

When their deals come around, they are anything but overpriced. On most of the deals, you cannot beat their prices even if you build them yourself.

 

[FP]

One thing to watch out for. I just had a 2 year old Dell die on me... I tried to replace the motherboard and apparently they have their own standard. Their cases aren't ATX compatible or at least mine isn't.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: binister
One thing to watch out for. I just had a 2 year old Dell die on me... I tried to replace the motherboard and apparently they have their own standard. Their cases aren't ATX compatible or at least mine isn't.

The older systems used proprietary gear, but the newer systems definitely do not. I believe the new standard is BTX?

 

[veggz]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: binister
One thing to watch out for. I just had a 2 year old Dell die on me... I tried to replace the motherboard and apparently they have their own standard. Their cases aren't ATX compatible or at least mine isn't.

The older systems used proprietary gear, but the newer systems definitely do not. I believe the new standard is BTX?

Ah, I was under the impression that they still used proprietary parts.. in that case I suppose they're ok to buy from..

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: veggz

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: binister
One thing to watch out for. I just had a 2 year old Dell die on me... I tried to replace the motherboard and apparently they have their own standard. Their cases aren't ATX compatible or at least mine isn't.

The older systems used proprietary gear, but the newer systems definitely do not. I believe the new standard is BTX?

Ah, I was under the impression that they still used proprietary parts.. in that case I suppose they're ok to buy from..

I believe they still do for the most part. It is a standard motherboard layout (BTX now, but used to be some sort of ATX), but the standoffs are different than the standard. Also, the front I/O header is non-standard, but beyond that, everything else is standard these days.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: veggz
Yes, they are reliable, but their systems are overpriced and their tech support sucks. I'm sure there are many more reasons people don't buy from Dell.

When their deals come around, they are anything but overpriced. On most of the deals, you cannot beat their prices even if you build them yourself.

:thumbsup:

 

[imported_goku]

The only systems that could ever possibly be upgraded were the older dell XPS systems from '00, The R series, T series, D series and B series (the ones before the R series as well, CIRCA '97. But even those sucked at upgrading, because the power header is proprietary, you needed a guide to figure out what pin did what. I took an R series desktop and with the help of a site by "roberhandcock" (google it) it showed a schematic of the front I/O header and was able to stick a standard ATX motherboard in there. System worked great and it was a fairly decent case but otherwise it was extremely proprietary. Definately couldn't use the PSU that came with that system.

But I tried the same on a D8200 ('01) system, no way in hell, can't place the mobo in that system and was much too proprietary. Don't see how dell isn't proprietary these days...

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: goku
The only systems that could ever possibly be upgraded were the older dell XPS systems from '00, The R series, T series, D series and B series (the ones before the R series as well, CIRCA '97. But even those sucked at upgrading, because the power header is proprietary, you needed a guide to figure out what pin did what. I took an R series desktop and with the help of a site by "roberhandcock" (google it) it showed a schematic of the front I/O header and was able to stick a standard ATX motherboard in there. System worked great and it was a fairly decent case but otherwise it was extremely proprietary. Definately couldn't use the PSU that came with that system.

But I tried the same on a D8200 ('01) system, no way in hell, can't place the mobo in that system and was much too proprietary. Don't see how dell isn't proprietary these days...

As I said before, everything in Dell computers (at least since the Dimension 8400/4700 series) has been standard EXCEPT the motherboard standoffs, heatsink retention module, and front panel I/O header. Otherwise, everything else can be upgraded with standard parts (PSU, graphics, processor, PCI cards, hard drives, optical drives, etc...).

 

[Powermoloch]

Originally posted by: veggz
Yes, they are reliable, but their systems are overpriced and their tech support sucks. I'm sure there are many more reasons people don't buy from Dell.

really ? I just grabbed a dell5150 w/ 2007FP for $549 shipped. And I was able to replace the monitor without a problem :laugh: for a better one.

 

[shoRunner]

check ANY large company circuit city, best buy, dell, staples... etc they will ALL have low reseller ratings because the sell to MILLIONS and only the pissed off ones think about going online and telling about their experience (notice how they all have like 100-500 reviews out of the thousands+ they service daily).

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: shoRunner
check ANY large company circuit city, best buy, dell, staples... etc they will ALL have low reseller ratings because the sell to MILLIONS and only the pissed off ones think about going online and telling about their experience (notice how they all have like 100-500 reviews out of the thousands+ they service daily).

QFT. People that feel hurt by these large conglomerates are more likely to complain. The ones who get what they expected and are satisfied usually don't take the time to review the good experience that they had on a site like ResellerRatings.com.

 

[electrosoccertux]

Originally posted by: Oblivionaire
Don't know which forum this belongs in so I put it in OT, hope that's ok. I'm thinking of buying from Dell Home, but their reseller rating is so low, is it safe to buy from them? It currently a 3.77 out of a possible 10? I always thought Dell was a big reliable company.

Only buy from dell if you are going ultra-low end. They had a dual-core 1GB Ram and 80GB HDD for $500 for about a week. A custom built system cannot beat that, unless you value upgradeability. If you just want something that works, and want it cheap, Dell can be the place to buy from.

 

[Zugzwang152]

who are you people, trying to upgrade an OEM machine?

if you're going to buy OEM, get the friggin' warranty so you don't have to repair the machine yourself. It's very simple with Dell: all their documentation is publicly available. Follow it, get your error code, log on to Dell Chat, tell them the error and that you followed the online documenation. They will confirm and send you your part.

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511

Originally posted by: goku
The only systems that could ever possibly be upgraded were the older dell XPS systems from '00, The R series, T series, D series and B series (the ones before the R series as well, CIRCA '97. But even those sucked at upgrading, because the power header is proprietary, you needed a guide to figure out what pin did what. I took an R series desktop and with the help of a site by "roberhandcock" (google it) it showed a schematic of the front I/O header and was able to stick a standard ATX motherboard in there. System worked great and it was a fairly decent case but otherwise it was extremely proprietary. Definately couldn't use the PSU that came with that system.

But I tried the same on a D8200 ('01) system, no way in hell, can't place the mobo in that system and was much too proprietary. Don't see how dell isn't proprietary these days...

As I said before, everything in Dell computers (at least since the Dimension 8400/4700 series) has been standard EXCEPT the motherboard standoffs, heatsink retention module, and front panel I/O header. Otherwise, everything else can be upgraded with standard parts (PSU, graphics, processor, PCI cards, hard drives, optical drives, etc...).

Oh, well duh... But it's hard to upgrade the processor on dells due to them using proprietary boards and so you can't skip series like putting a Celeron D in a Dimension 8200 motherboard etc.. (533fsb)

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
who are you people, trying to upgrade an OEM machine?

if you're going to buy OEM, get the friggin' warranty so you don't have to repair the machine yourself. It's very simple with Dell: all their documentation is publicly available. Follow it, get your error code, log on to Dell Chat, tell them the error and that you followed the online documenation. They will confirm and send you your part.

It's awesome I guess, because if you wait long enough, you can get the rep to send you a free HDD. Or video card muahahahahaahaha (yes it's bad kids so don't do it!)

 

[Zugzwang152]

Originally posted by: goku

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
who are you people, trying to upgrade an OEM machine?

if you're going to buy OEM, get the friggin' warranty so you don't have to repair the machine yourself. It's very simple with Dell: all their documentation is publicly available. Follow it, get your error code, log on to Dell Chat, tell them the error and that you followed the online documenation. They will confirm and send you your part.

It's awesome I guess, because if you wait long enough, you can get the rep to send you a free HDD. Or video card muahahahahaahaha (yes it's bad kids so don't do it!)

Generally speaking, you will always have to send back the dead hardware for verification. There's only been 1 time in recent memory, with some memory, where the Dell tech has not asked the dead pieces be returned. Maybe he forgot.

 

[Kelemvor]

Just go to Hot Deals and find one. Soemtimes better deals in the Small Business section of their site though. I'd buy a dell in a heartbeat when I need a new computer. Never have problems with them, support is great it you get one of the extended warranties, best prices out there if you have a coupon or wait for a sale of some sort.

Most of the time you don't have to send back Mice and keyboards but everything else you normally have to send back with an RMA type thing. But if you have a cheap warranty they usually send a technician out with the part so he just takes it from you.